Discover the conservation district programs

Learn about the habits and behaviors of white-tailed deer and how this relates to the sport of archery from McHenry County Conservation District educators and instructors from T.A.Z. Archery in Woodstock.DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO

Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District has announced these special events and programs.

Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or to sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes.

Registration is accepted online, by phone (free programs only) at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.

Open House: Learn all about McHenry County Conservation District's People and Nature Programs during an open house from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Drop-in at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood. A short presentation, "What the Glacier Left Behind," begins at 7:15 p.m.

This free introductory session explains how the workshops differ from one another, which might best suit your interests, or are required to earn an Ecological Restoration Certificate. This is your chance to have all of your questions answered and you can receive a $15 credit toward your next workshop. Returning participants are encouraged to attend.

The People and Nature Programs are designed to serve the homeowner, volunteer steward, nature educator, or lover of the outdoors. The programs cover topics on ecological restoration and landscaping with nature. Upcoming workshops include: "Weeds and What We Do About Them," Sept. 13; "Geology and Soil: Glaciers, Mud, Gravel, Soil and Other Stuff," Sept. 27; "Taking the Mystery out of Using Native Plants in Your Garden," Nov. 8; "Woody Plants II: Tree and Shrub ID in Winter," Nov. 22.

Registration is not required for this free introductory session. Call Tom Simpson, Research Field Station ecologist at (815) 678-4532 for more information or visit www.mccdistrict.org/web/pr-pancp.htm.

Discovery Days: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, 1606 Dean Street, Woodstock. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. Program for children ages 2 to 6 accompanied by an adult, is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Ages 2 to 6, accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is Aug. 30.

Youth Archery and White-tailed Deer-Create the Connection: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Learn about the habits and behaviors of white-tailed deer and how this relates to the sport of archery from Conservation District educators and instructors from T.A.Z. Archery in Woodstock. Participants will also receive basic archery and safety instruction from Certified USA Archery Instructors and get the chance to shoot at a variety of targets from a traditional bull's-eye to a deer replica. All equipment is provided. Program for children, ages 8 to 14, accompanied by an adult, is $5 for county residents and $7 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sept. 2.

Flying Squirrel Night Hike: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Do flying squirrels actually fly? What do they eat, and where do they live? Find the answers to these questions and much more as we explore the outdoors at night in search of the elusive flying squirrels. Note: There are no guarantees that we will see any. No flashlights, please. Program for youth ages 6 to 12, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sept. 8.

Creek Peek: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Keystone Road Landing in Glacial Park, 6500 Keystone Road, Richmond. Wear shoes you can wade in and come explore the amazing underwater world of Nippersink Creek. We will look for little critters and learn why they are so important to the creek. Program for adults and families age 5 and older, is free. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.

Glorious Goldenrods: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Often cast as the villains that cause our itchy eyes and runny noses, goldenrods are not the culprit! They are beautiful fall flowers that nourish a host of animal life. They will hike through the tallgrass prairie and search for different species of goldenrods, exploring each plant for the insect life that may be found there. Be prepared for 1.5-mile hike. Dress for the weather with long pants and long sleeves. Program for youth ages 10 to 13, accompanied by an adult, is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sept. 10.